1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will begin his 2024 Lok Sabha campaign with a rally in North East Delhi on Saturday evening.
2. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will hold his first campaign rally at Chandni Chowk Lok Sabha constituency on the same day.
3. These events come as all seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi are set for polls on May 25.
New Delhi, May 18: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to kick off his campaign for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections with a public meeting in North East Delhi on Saturday evening.
On the same day, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will hold his first campaign rally at the Chandni Chowk Lok Sabha constituency, marking a significant day in the run-up to the elections, as all seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi are slated for polls on May 25.
Preparations for the PM’s Rally
Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Virendra Sachdeva, along with North East Delhi candidate Manoj Tiwari and other party leaders, visited the rally site on Friday evening to review preparations.
Sachdeva expressed confidence in the rally’s success, emphasizing the historic nature of the event and the enthusiasm of party workers.
He predicted a large turnout, underscoring the excitement surrounding PM Modi’s visit.
Manoj Tiwari echoed Sachdeva’s sentiments, highlighting the pride the region feels in hosting a global leader like Narendra Modi.
“The PM is coming to guide us in North East Delhi, and it is a matter of pride for our region. People are very excited to see and hear him up close,” said Tiwari.
The rally is scheduled to take place at the DDA ground in the Yamuna Khadar area of the Ghonda assembly constituency at 4 PM.
Ghonda MLA Ajay Mahawar emphasized the significance of the rally, noting that PM Modi will seek blessings for Manoj Tiwari, who is contesting for the North East Delhi constituency for the third time.
Rahul Gandhi’s Campaign in Chandni Chowk
Simultaneously, Delhi Congress leader Anil Bharadwaj announced that Rahul Gandhi would address a massive public meeting at the Ramlila Ground near the sports complex in Ashok Vihar at 6 PM. This rally is part of the Congress’s efforts to galvanize support for its candidates under the INDIA bloc.
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Security Arrangements for PM Modi’s Rally
To ensure the safety of the Prime Minister and manage the large crowds, a robust security plan has been put in place.
According to two police officers familiar with the arrangements, a four-layer security cordon will be established, comprising the Special Protection Group (SPG), the security wing of the Delhi Police, and local police units.
More than 2,000 security and traffic personnel will be deployed around the venue to maintain order and prevent any untoward incidents.
Pre-rally security measures include scanning the venue and surrounding areas, with final inspections by sniffer dogs, bomb detection, and disposal squads scheduled for Saturday before the rally begins.
The SPG commandos will provide the innermost layer of security, while the Delhi Police’s PM security wing will form the second layer.
The outer two layers of security will be managed by personnel from the city police and armed paramilitary forces.
Delhi Police Chief Sanjay Arora held a meeting with senior officers on Friday to review the security preparations.
The officers confirmed that PM Modi would arrive at the rally venue by helicopter, directly after attending an election rally in Sonepat, Haryana.
Impact on the Political Landscape
These rallies by PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi mark a critical phase in the election campaigns for their respective parties.
The simultaneous rallies in different parts of Delhi reflect the high stakes and intense efforts by both the BJP and Congress to secure voter support.
PM Modi’s address is expected to bolster the BJP’s campaign momentum, particularly in North East Delhi, a constituency where Manoj Tiwari is vying for a third term.
Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi’s rally aims to rejuvenate the Congress base and attract undecided voters in Chandni Chowk.
With comprehensive security measures in place, both rallies are anticipated to proceed smoothly, providing a platform for the leaders to articulate their visions and appeal to the electorate.
As the campaign season heats up, these events underscore the dynamic and competitive nature of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
